Creepy, sparse, and disturbing

Rating: 8/10 (9 July 2003)

I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to see this movie and good thing, too. Anyone expecting your run-of-the-mill horror flick will be disappointed because 28 Days Later is certainly not your average horror movie.
First off, the camera angles, shots and film quality is unlike your typical film. Although the choice of shots and angles were distracting at times, the overall effect works. The premise of the film is that a virus has swept through England, killing most people or turning them into flesh-eating zombies referred to as "the infected". The opening shots of a vacant and silent London are disquieting and sets the tone for a creepy, sparse, and disturbing film.
The violence is retained into short flashes for the most part and gore is present but not the purpose of the film. Rather, it is very character driven. Unlike most horror movies, you get to know these characters and actually care whether they live or die.
Don't expect all your questions to be answered in this film. There are a number of things left unexplained but I found the film wholly satisfying nonetheless. It was scary without being redundant and it had a creepiness factor that is too often missing in films of this genre.